Storch v. Sauerhoff, 757 A.2d 836 (N.J. Super. Ct. Ch. Div. 2000)

Cases | Storch v. Sauerhoff, 757 A.2d 836 (N.J. Super. Ct. Ch. Div. 2000) | 2018

The issue in this case was whether the defendant’s stepdaughter, who lived in a near-by residence, was a “household member” victim within the meaning of the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991 (the Act). The defendant argued that the plaintiff was not a victim under the Act because she was not a household member with the defendant and she was not a family member because she was not a blood relative of the defendant. The superior court held that the plaintiff was a victim under the Act because the parties maintained a close living arrangement, frequently came into contact, and had long standing familial, financial, and emotional relationships.